they may hide the remote from each other, talk in their sleep, and have a messy room, with clothes scattered everywhere, but they’re my girls. here in the stillness of five in the morning, the family is out of town and two of my younger sisters are having a slumber party in my room — still sleeping as i type — simple, yet profoundly beautiful to me.
last night, as little eyes were peaking out from their comforters, they both watched as I told stories of how i put them to sleep when they were babies (i walked them to sleep). they both laughed and giggled as i told the stories, because obviously they were the prime subject of the stories, i couldn’t help but simply be fascinated at the treasure of responsibility the Lord has blessed me with.
last night, we went for bar-b-que in the little town of Newberry, Florida and shared cheese sticks, root bear floats and of course… bar-b-que. we even told silly stories of an imaginary guy named fred, played some cheesy games and made a mess of crayons, sweet tea, and french fries at the table. later this morning — waffles.
the point is this — if i love my girls like this in this stillness of this moment, while they are in the middle of their fourth or fifth dream… how much more is the Lord loving me right now, despite all of my imperfections. how He sings little lullabies in my ear when i sleep, shares stories of His love, stories of adventure — yet all the while, anxiously awaits to spend more time with me when i awake. my love for these girls may be profound, but His love for you and me doesn’t even compare. mmm — you know something — that’s the real treasure.
…ok, back to bed
a treasure indeed.
wow. God has allowed you to do that.
and be in that position.
and you do so joyfully.
it’s beautiful.
i’m praying for you dear friend.
-sam
that’s awesome, erik.
so great..
bbq eh? Yummm 🙂 Sounds like you had a great time last night being with your girls. Have a fun day today too!
Erik, Your learning something here… God has let us parents experience a small bit of the love he has for us. by being a parent… rejoyce…. rex
remember to pray ALL ways…
ohh man…I miss bar-b-que…the real kind that is…not this texan stuff…lol
thanks for the comment on my xanga 🙂
it sounds like you had an amazing time, and the Lord really blessed you with some insight!
So very precious.
yes, yes it is!
this is soo beautiful….
you are a wonderful big brother!
i was just looking over your site and noticed ashby and leigh-anne got married!!!
flipping sweet!!!
atleast you stop, notice and record the memory…
that’s so sweet… there’s nothing like the Lord’s affirmation of his love for us… our love on earth is merely a shadow 🙂
it’s so cool erik to read what you’ve been thinking and experiencing. i’m glad you remember to stop and take delight in the moments of life.
mmm grape nuts flakes with 8th continent light vanilla soy milk- absolutely delicious. = )
thanks for your post. Yeah, Erik I’m awestruck at the goodness of God- he’s really been making himself apparent to me by continueing to make everything work out perfectly in better ways than I could every expect. I’m shocked….
Your post- How magnificent. Looking at rex’s comment kinda inspires me about having kids…
Erik you have such a way with words and expresing yourself, I love it. I also love hearing what your heart feels through your words… I’m so biased- I think you’re going to be absolutely the best dad ever.
Man, I imagine your little precious jewels growing up and looking back at you in their lives and all that you’ve done…I want to be a fly on the wall then.
i’m working like 5 weeks—for their summer camps. I’ll be a camp counselor–full time summer staff. I’m really exctited! so you’ll be out there for a week or so?
yes, it is a lovely season. it’s good for me.
Hehe :o) Thanks for all your comments. They always make me smile. I’m glad you are able to love on your sisters. That is so special.
what a precious moment…
Every little princess needs an active father and active big brother…this is so uncommonly rare.
I agree with, all already taken…your going to be the…best dad ever!
—
It was good seeing you at the wedding…even if it was only for a moment. =)
And my Mom…really likes you, she wanted to get your contact info. – is that weird or what?
Glad you liked the pictures. Unfortunately they do not justly portray Guatemala. It was much better than that…….
Great post on your little sisters. Sounds like you’re about as good at your job as my big brother is. 🙂 Take it from the little sister’s perspective – It is such a blessing to grow up with that!
Have a great week, and God bless!
~Rachel
Thank you 10 times over for coming to the wedding. I know it took everything you had to come. Chris and I thank you so much. As for the post…Precious!! Absolutely precious!! I love you see your love for your sister. You will make a GREAT father some day. I am very excited to hear when you find a girl, start courting, get engaged, marry, and have children…I am very excited about the next phase after marriage myself…:P Well,I must go for now…Love ya, Bro!
Leigh-Anne Ashby
haha! Thanks so much… I needed advice and that’s why I posted it!
I actually think he’s just a really good friend though. We have a lot in common and he calls me 2-3 times a day, but he never compliments me or asks me to hang with just him and his friends.
I also just realized that we hardly talk about the Lord… and when I meet someone that I am interested in we will talk about my first love A LOT!
Thanx again…trailer club rules!!!
let me edit a lil of that comment… he never asks me to go to a coffee shop or a date with him alone, so we can get to know each other…
so im not dead yet…just hitting finals…
you will hear from me soon…
Aw….what fun!!! =) I see you’ve “met” Rachel ….isn’t she great!!! Have to agree with her…having an older brother who loves and protects you is something that is pretty special ~ take it from someone who knows!! =) …. I know your sisters must feel very treasured!!
So Guaty….and specific plans yet?? You are so going to fall in love with that place!!!
God bless you this week!! ~M~
Dude,
I was kind of hoping that the little surprise you got from me in the mail would make it to your xanga site. I’ve somehow not succeeded.
speechless… you are the greatest!
YOu sure love your fam. dont ya?
that is absolutely wonderful!